A viral Reddit post sparked discussions on cultural differences around wearing shoes indoors, with a European woman expressing her surprise at the American habit. She highlighted concerns about tracked dirt and germs. While some Americans do remove their shoes, the practice varies widely. A 2021 YouGov poll indicated only about a third of Americans consistently do so. The thread prompted reflections on how media shapes perceptions of cultural norms and the respect implied in shoe removal across various cultures.
As a person who moved to the US, it's baffling to see people stroll around their homes in sneakers or even boots! I can't help but think about all the dirt, germs, and unidentified outside substances that must be getting tracked all over their floors.
This isn't a universal practice across American households. According to a 2021 report from YouGov, roughly a third of the US population (31%) "always" remove their shoes when they enter their homes.
It's hard not to acknowledge how TV and movies may have shaped this perception. Very rarely do we see characters remove their shoes at the front door, as many others do in their real lives.
Across Asia, it's not only a sign of respect but cleanliness. Similarly, certain European countries also opt toward removing their shoes before entering the home as a sign of respect.
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